Chapter 221 - Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax

(a) “Distributor” means (1) any person, wherever resident or located, who or which imports fuels or causes fuels to be imported into this state, for sale or use, (2) any person who or which produces, refines, manufactures or compounds fuels within this state, (3) any person who or which distributes fuels by tank wagon in this state, and (4) any person who or which stores fuels in this state in a tank or other container having a capacity equaling or exceeding an amount established by the commissioner for purposes of the determination required in accordance with this subdivision;

(b) “Fuels” means (1) fuels as defined in section 14-1 and (2) any other combustible gas or liquid suitable for the generation of power to propel motor vehicles;

(c) “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle propelled or drawn by any power other than muscular, except aircraft, motorboats, road rollers, baggage trucks used about railroad stations, electric battery-operated wheel chairs when operated by persons with physical disabilities at speeds not exceeding fifteen miles per hour, agricultural tractors, farm implements and such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks;

(d) “Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, copartnership, company, firm or other aggregation;

(e) “Connecticut motor bus company” means any common carrier motor bus company, organized in this state and engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire, to which a certificate has been issued under section 13b-80 and seventy-five per cent of whose gross operating revenue is derived from operations within this state.

(1971, P.A. 140, S. 1; P.A. 79-627, S. 2, 6; P.A. 82-25, S. 1, 10; P.A. 84-429, S. 49; P.A. 85-391, S. 5, 7; P.A. 86-403, S. 22, 132; P.A. 95-79, S. 33, 189; P.A. 17-202, S. 37.)

History: P.A. 79-627 defined gasohol in Subsec. (b) and included gasohol as a fuel under provisions of section, effective July 1, 1979, and applicable to fuel sold on or after that date; P.A. 82-25 eliminated reference to “association of persons, firm or corporation” in definition of distributor, changed definition of “fuels” to conform with Sec. 14-1 and added definition of “Connecticut motor bus company”, effective July 1, 1982, and applicable to fuel sales by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 84-429 made technical changes for statutory consistency; P.A. 85-391 redefined “distributor” in Subsec. (a) to include any person who stores fuels in such amounts as to equal or exceed an amount to be established by the commissioner for purposes of such determination; P.A. 86-403 made technical changes; P.A. 95-79 redefined “person” to include a limited liability company, effective May 31, 1995; P.A. 17-202 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “physically handicapped persons” with “persons with physical disabilities”.

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Sec. 12-456. Distributor's license. Surety bond. Service of process on nonresident distributor. (a)(1) Each distributor shall, before transacting the business of a distributor, apply for a license issued by the Commissioner of Revenue Services to engage in said business within this state, which license shall remain in full force and effect until cancelled, suspended or revoked.

(2) The commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, refuse to issue a license if there is reasonable ground to believe that the distributor has wilfully made any false statement of substance with respect to such application for license, the distributor has neglected to pay any taxes due to this state or the distributor has been convicted of violating any of the motor fuels tax laws of this or any other state or the motor fuels tax laws of the United States or has such a criminal record that the commissioner reasonably believes that such distributor is not a suitable person to be issued a license, provided no refusal shall be rendered under this subdivision except in accordance with the provisions of sections 46a-80 and 46a-81.

(3) Before the commissioner issues such license, the commissioner shall require such distributor annually to file with, and to the satisfaction of, the commissioner and to maintain for the year a bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this state or other security acceptable to the commissioner, in such amount as the commissioner may fix, to secure the payment of any sums due from such distributor pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Such bond or other security shall remain in full force and effect for a period of three years and one month following the end of such year, unless a certificate is issued by the commissioner to the effect that all taxes due the state have been paid.

(b) If such distributor is a foreign corporation or a person nonresident of this state with no designated agent or representative in this state upon whom service of process may be made, then, in any litigation for the collection of any tax due from such distributor, service of such process may be made upon the Secretary of the State with as full force and effect as if made upon such distributor. Any such distributor being such a foreign corporation or nonresident person shall, in the application for a distributor's license, consent to such service of process upon the Secretary of the State and also consent that any such litigation may be brought to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford having jurisdiction of the amount claimed to be due in such litigation. Any license to any such distributor shall be issued subject to such service of process upon said secretary and subject to such litigation being brought to such court.

(c) The commissioner may suspend or revoke the license of any distributor for failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations related thereto, following a hearing with respect to which notice in writing, specifying the time and place of such hearing and requiring such distributor to show cause why such license should not be revoked, is mailed or delivered to such distributor not less than ten days preceding the date of such hearing. Such notice may be served personally or by registered or certified mail.

(d) The commissioner shall not issue a new license to a distributor whose license is revoked unless the commissioner is satisfied that such distributor will comply with the provisions of this chapter and regulations related thereto.

(1949 Rev., S. 2550; 1953, S. 1413d; 1958 Rev., S. 14-333; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 2; P.A. 74-315, S. 1, 2; P.A. 75-507, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 6, 127; P.A. 84-427, S. 1; P.A. 85-372, S. 1, 4; 85-391, S. 1, 7; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; 88-364, S. 21, 123; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 00-174, S. 32, 83.)

History: 1959 act replaced previous provisions; P.A. 74-315 replaced previous provision for security bond of at least $500 but not more than $25,000 issued for one to five years with amount of bond changeable by commissioner with new provision for bond of $1,000 in first year and of one-sixth of taxes paid during preceding year for subsequent years, but equaling at least $1,000, with bond remaining in effect for year and a day after license expires unless certificate issued that all tax paid; P.A. 75-507 placed maximum bond amount of $100,000; P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-280 substituted judicial district of Hartford-New Britain for Hartford county; P.A. 84-427 increased the minimum amount of surety bond that distributors of motor fuel must maintain from $1,000 to $5,000; P.A. 85-372 added provision specifying grounds for refusal of or suspension or revocation of a license by the commissioner and re procedure for suspension or revocation of license; P.A. 85-391 added provisions allowing use of estimate of the maximum total tax that could be applicable in the case of each distributor is a factor in determining the amount of bond required and extending the period of time such bond shall remain in effect from a year and a day to three years and one month; P.A. 88-230 replaced “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” with “judicial district of Hartford”, effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 88-364 made a technical change; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 00-174 divided the section into Subsecs. (a) to (d), required the annual filing of a surety bond, allowed the commissioner to fix the amount of the surety bond and made technical changes for purposes of grammar and gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2000, and applicable to applications filed on or after that date.

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Sec. 12-457. Records to be kept by distributor. Statement to purchaser. Each distributor shall keep an accurate record of the number of gallons of such fuels purchased, manufactured, compounded or received by him, the date of any such purchase and the number of gallons sold or used by him. He shall deliver, with each consignment or delivery of such fuels to any purchaser within this state, a written statement of the names and addresses of the vendor and vendee, the number of gallons sold and the date of sale and delivery. Such written statement shall set forth whether or not the required state tax has been charged thereon. Each such record and such statement shall be preserved by such distributor and such purchaser, respectively, for a period of at least three years and shall be offered for inspection upon demand of the commissioner or any officer or agent designated by him. The commissioner shall cause such records and statements to be regularly audited as he shall prescribe and each distributor shall satisfactorily account for all such fuels as have been sold or used by him. Any such fuels unaccounted for by the distributor for which a satisfactory explanation cannot be submitted shall be construed to have been sold or used.

(1949 Rev., S. 2551; 1958 Rev., S. 14-334; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 3; 1967, P.A. 625, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act replaced previous provisions; 1967 act provided that fuels unaccounted for are to be considered sold or used.

Cited. 205 C. 51.

Burden of proof on distributor to show amount of gasoline not taxable; substantial accuracy sufficient. 8 CS 343.

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Sec. 12-458. Returns. Rate and payment of tax. Exemptions. Penalties. (a)(1) Each distributor shall, on or before the twenty-fifth day of each month, render a return to the commissioner. Each return shall be signed by the person required to file the return or by his authorized agent but need not be verified by oath. Any return required to be filed by a corporation shall be signed by an officer of such corporation or his authorized agent. Such return shall state the number of gallons of fuel sold or used by him during the preceding calendar month, on forms to be furnished by the commissioner, and shall contain such further information as the commissioner shall prescribe. The commissioner may make public the number of gallons of fuel sold or used by the distributor, as contained in such report, notwithstanding the provisions of section 12-15 or any other section. For purposes of this section, fuel sold shall include, but not be limited to, the transfer of fuel by a distributor into a receptacle from which fuel is supplied or intended to be supplied to other than such distributor's motor vehicles.

(2) On said date and coincident with the filing of such return each distributor shall pay to the commissioner for the account of the purchaser or consumer a tax (A) on each gallon of such fuels sold or used in this state during the preceding calendar month, of twenty-five cents on and after July 1, 2000; and (B) in lieu of said taxes, each distributor shall pay a tax on each gallon of gasohol, as defined in section 14-1, sold or used in this state during such preceding calendar month, of twenty-five cents on and after July 1, 2004; (C) in lieu of said taxes, each distributor shall pay a tax on each gallon of propane or natural gas sold or used in this state during such preceding calendar month, of twenty-six cents on and after August 1, 2002; (D) in lieu of said taxes, each distributor shall pay a tax on each gallon of propane or natural gas sold or used in this state during such preceding calendar month, of twenty-six cents on and after July 1, 2007; and (E) in lieu of said taxes, each distributor shall pay a tax on each gallon of diesel fuel sold or used in this state during such preceding calendar month, at the applicable tax rate, as determined by the commissioner pursuant to section 12-458h on and after July 1, 2008.

(3) Said tax shall not be payable on such fuel as may have been:

(A) Sold to the United States;

(B) Sold to a municipality of this state, (i) for use by any contractor performing a service for such municipality in accordance with a contract, provided such fuel is used by such contractor exclusively for the purposes of and in accordance with such contract, or (ii) for use exclusively in a school bus, as defined in section 14-275;

(C) Sold to a municipality of this state, a transit district of this state, or this state, at other than a retail outlet, for governmental purposes and for use in vehicles owned and operated, or leased and operated by such municipality, such transit district or this state;

(D) Sold to a person licensed as a distributor in this state under section 12-456;

(E) Transferred from storage within this state to some point without this state;

(F) Sold to the holder of a permit issued under section 12-458a for sale or use without this state;

(G) Sold to the holder of a permit issued under subdivision (63) of section 12-412, provided (i) such fuel is not used in motor vehicles registered or required to be registered to operate upon the public highways of this state, unless such fuel is used in motor vehicles registered exclusively for farming purposes, (ii) such fuel is not delivered, upon such sale, to a tank in which such person keeps fuel for personal and farm use, and (iii) a statement, prescribed as to form by the Commissioner of Revenue Services and bearing notice to the effect that false statements made under this section are punishable, that such fuel is used exclusively for farming purposes, is submitted by such person to the distributor;

(H) Sold exclusively to furnish power for an industrial plant in the actual fabrication of finished products to be sold, or for the fishing industry;

(I) Sold exclusively for heating purposes;

(J) Sold exclusively to furnish gas, water, steam or electricity, if delivered to consumers through mains, lines or pipes;

(K) Sold to the owner or operator of an aircraft, as defined in section 15-34, exclusively for aviation purposes, provided (i) for purposes of this subdivision, “aviation purposes” means for the purpose of powering an aircraft or an aircraft engine, (ii) such fuel is delivered, upon such sale, to a tank in which fuel is kept exclusively for aviation purposes, and (iii) a statement, prescribed as to form by the Commissioner of Revenue Services and bearing notice to the effect that false statements made under this section are punishable, that such fuel is used exclusively for aviation purposes, is submitted by such person to the distributor;

(L) Sold to a dealer who is licensed under section 12-462 and whose place of business is located upon an established airport within this state;

(M) Diesel fuel sold exclusively for use in portable power system generators that are larger than one hundred fifty kilowatts;

(N) Sold for use in any vessel (i) having a displacement exceeding four thousand dead weight tons, or (ii) primarily engaged in interstate commerce; or

(O) Dyed diesel fuel, as defined in subsection (d) of section 12-487, sold to the owner or operator of marine fuel docks exclusively for marine purposes, provided (i) such fuel is delivered, upon such sale, to a tank in which fuel is kept exclusively for marine purposes, and (ii) a statement, prescribed as to form by the Commissioner of Revenue Services and bearing notice to the effect that false statements made under this section are punishable, that such fuel is used exclusively for marine purposes, is submitted by such person to the distributor.

(4) Each distributor, when making a taxable sale, shall furnish to the purchaser an invoice showing the quantities of fuel sold, the classification thereof under the provisions of this chapter and the amount of tax to be paid by the distributor for the account of the purchaser or consumer.

(5) If any distributor fails to pay the amount of tax reported to be due on its report within the time specified under the provisions of this section, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to ten per cent of such amount due and unpaid, or fifty dollars, whichever is greater. The tax shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the due date of the tax until the date of payment.

(6) If no return has been filed within three months after the time specified under the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may make such return at any time thereafter, according to the best information obtainable and the form prescribed. There shall be added to the tax imposed upon the basis of such return an amount equal to ten per cent of such tax, or fifty dollars, whichever is greater. The tax shall bear interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the due date of such tax to the date of payment.

(7) Subject to the provisions of section 12-3a, the commissioner may waive all or part of the penalties provided under this chapter when it is proven to his satisfaction that the failure to pay any tax was due to reasonable cause and was not intentional or due to neglect.

(8) A distributor who is exclusively making sales of fuel on which the tax imposed by this chapter is not payable may be permitted, as specified in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to file reports less frequently than monthly but not less frequently than annually if the commissioner determines that enforcement of this section would not be adversely affected by less frequent filings. Distributors permitted to file such reports shall maintain records that shall detail (A) the persons from whom the fuel was purchased, (B) the persons to whom, the quantities in which and the dates on which such fuel was sold, and (C) any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner shall, within three years after the due date for the filing of a return or, in the case of a completed return filed after such due date, within three years after the date of which such return was received by him, examine it and, in case any error is disclosed by such examination, shall, within thirty days after such disclosure, notify the taxpayer thereof. When it appears that any part of the deficiency for which a deficiency assessment is made is due to negligence or intentional disregard of the provisions of this chapter or regulations promulgated thereunder, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to ten per cent of the amount of such deficiency assessment, or fifty dollars, whichever is greater. When it appears that any part of the deficiency for which a deficiency assessment is made is due to fraud or intent to evade the provisions of this chapter or regulations promulgated thereunder, there shall be imposed a penalty equal to twenty-five per cent of the amount of such deficiency assessment. No taxpayer shall be subject to more than one penalty under this subsection in relation to the same tax period. Within thirty days of the mailing of such notice, the taxpayer shall pay to the commissioner, in cash or by check, draft or money order drawn to the order of the Commissioner of Revenue Services, any additional amount of tax shown to be due by the corrected return or shall be paid by the State Treasurer, upon order of the Comptroller, any amount shown to be due such taxpayer by such corrected return. The failure of such taxpayer to receive any notice required by this section shall not relieve such taxpayer of the obligation to pay the tax or any interest or penalties thereon. When, before the expiration of the time prescribed in this section for the examination of the return or the assessment of said tax, both the commissioner and such taxpayer have consented in writing to such examination or assessment after such time, the return may be examined and said tax may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon. The period so agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon. The commissioner may also in such a case waive the statute of limitations against a claim for refund by such taxpayer. To any taxes that are assessed under this subsection, there shall be added interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof from the date when the original tax became due and payable.

(c) Any person who owns or operates a vehicle that runs only upon rails or tracks and that is properly registered with the federal government, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4222 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, shall be exempt from paying to a distributor the motor fuels tax imposed pursuant to this section for use in such vehicle.

(1949 Rev., S. 2552, 2554; November, 1949, June, 1955, S. 1414d; November, 1955, S. N165; 1957, P.A. 620, S. 1; 1958 Rev., 14-335, 14-336; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 4; 1961, P.A. 385; February, 1965, P.A. 58, S. 2; 325, S. 10; 1969, P.A. 612, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 784, S. 1; June, 1971, P.A. 8, S. 31; 1972, P.A. 205, S. 1; P.A. 73-2, S. 1, 11; 73-636, S. 1, 3; P.A. 75-374, S. 1, 3; 75-511, S. 1, 3; P.A. 76-114, S. 5, 21; 76-322, S. 16, 27; P.A. 78-322, S. 3, 5; P.A. 79-627, S. 3, 6; P.A. 80-307, S. 24, 31; P.A. 81-411, S. 32, 42; P.A. 83-18, S. 2, 5; P.A. 84-254, S. 16, 62; 84-424, S. 1, 2; 84-427, S. 2; 84-429, S. 50; P.A. 85-391, S. 6, 7; P.A. 86-172, S. 2, 3; 86-352, S. 2, 5; P.A. 87-589, S. 21, 87; P.A. 88-314, S. 33, 54; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3, S. 121, 168; P.A. 92-177, S. 8, 12; P.A. 93-74, S. 34, 67; P.A. 93-93; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4, S. 21, 59, 85; P.A. 95-24, S. 1, 2; 95-26, S. 21, 52; 95-159; 95-160, S. 64, 69; P.A. 97-243, S. 34, 67; 97-281, S. 2, 3; 97-309, S. 1, 23; 97-322, S. 7, 9; P.A. 98-128, S. 1, 10; 98-190, S. 1, 3; P.A. 00-170, S. 10, 42; 00-174, S. 33, 65, 83; P.A. 02-103, S. 27; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 71; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 26; P.A. 07-199, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1, S. 135; P.A. 14-222, S. 10; P.A. 18-81, S. 64; P.A. 22-110, S. 23.)

History: 1959 act replaced previous provisions; 1961 act allowed commissioner to make public the number of gallons sold or used by distributor; 1965 acts excluded from tax fuel sold to permit holder under Sec. 12-458a and increased tax from $0.06 to $0.07 per gallon; 1969 act increased tax to $0.08; 1971 acts excluded from tax fuel sold to municipality for governmental purposes at other than retail outlet and increased tax to $0.10; 1972 act excluded from tax fuel sold to state and added provision that fuel sold includes transfer of fuel by distributor into receptacle from which fuel supplied or intended to be supplied to other than distributor's motor vehicles; P.A. 73-2 added provisions re imposition of $0.11 tax upon transit district vote to request $0.11 rate, effective February 16, 1973, except that no tax may be imposed upon transit district's request earlier than July 1, 1973, and any such tax increase and the applicable motor carrier road tax levied under Sec. 12-479 shall apply to all fuel sold or used on or after the beginning of the applicable quarter of the fiscal year under provisions of section; P.A. 73-636 excluded from tax fuel sold to municipality for use by school bus contractors for exclusive use in transporting children to and from school and fuel sold to municipality or the state for use in vehicles owned or leased and operated by municipality or the state; P.A. 75-374 deleted provisions re $0.11 rate; P.A. 75-511 excluded from tax fuel sold to transit district for governmental purposes or for use in vehicles owned or leased and operated by district; P.A. 76-114 and 76-322 raised tax to $0.11 and raised interest from 9% to 12% per year on overdue tax, effective June 1, 1976, and amount of tax increase and the applicable motor carrier road tax levied under Sec. 12-479 shall apply to all fuel subject to tax under section sold or used on or after that date; P.A. 78-322 replaced exemption for fuel used by school bus contractors with exemption for “any contractor performing a service for...[a] municipality in accordance with a contract”, effective July 1, 1978, and applicable to motor fuel purchased for use on or after that date, except that any provisions concerning refund of tax with respect to motor fuel or special fuel used in taxicabs shall be applicable to such fuel purchased for that use on or after July 1, 1977; P.A. 79-627 set tax rate for gasohol at $0.10 a gallon, effective July 1, 1979, and applicable to fuel sold on or after that date; P.A. 80-307 temporarily increased interest rate to 15% for taxes due on or after July 1, 1980, but not later than June 30, 1981; P.A. 81-411 continued interest on taxes not paid when due at 15% per annum, effective July 1, 1981, and applicable to taxes becoming due on or after that date; P.A. 83-18 increased rate of tax on each gallon of fuel, except gasohol, from $0.11 to $0.14, and from $0.10 to $0.13 on each gallon of gasohol, effective April 1, 1983, and applicable to sales of fuel on or after said date; P.A. 84-254 increased the fuel tax from $0.14 per gallon to $0.23 per gallon between July 1, 1984, and July 1, 1991, and increased the gasohol tax from $0.13 per gallon to $0.22 per gallon over the same period; P.A. 84-424 divided section in Subdivs., provided for several technical changes and added Subdiv. (7) concerning exemption from tax on motor fuels sold exclusively for use in farming, effective July 1, 1984, and applicable to sales of motor fuel by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 84-427 provided for several technical changes and added Subdivs. (8), (9) and (10) concerning exemption from tax on motor fuel sold exclusively for the uses enumerated in said Subdivs.; P.A. 84-429 made technical change for statutory consistency; P.A. 85-391 required each distributor when making a sale to furnish the purchaser with an invoice showing quantity sold, the classification thereof and the amount of tax to be paid by the distributor; P.A. 86-172 inserted requirement that the return be signed and provided that a corporate return be signed by an officer or his agent and deleted the requirement that fuel be kept in a separate tank in order to qualify for the farming exemption in Subdiv. (7); P.A. 86-352 added Subdiv. (11) in the list of sales with respect to which the tax shall not be payable, effective (1) July 1, 1986, for purposes of establishing procedures and regulations and preparation of forms and identification markers as required in Sec. 12-480a and (2) October 1, 1987, for purposes of actual sales of diesel fuel to holders of permits in accordance with the procedure in Sec. 12-480a; P.A. 87-589 made technical change; P.A. 88-314 added provisions clarifying application of the most common state tax penalty provision when tax is not paid within the time specified and incorporated in the section language concerning the commissioners' power to waive penalties under certain conditions as used for most state taxes and language used for most state taxes regarding deficiency assessments by the commissioner, including the penalties applicable when the deficiency is due to negligence and when due to fraud or intent to evade the tax, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3 amended Subsec. (a) to increase the rate of tax on each gallon of fuel, except gasohol, to $0.25 on and after September 1, 1991, $0.26 on and after January 1, 1992, $0.28 on and after January 1, 1993, $0.29 on and after July 1, 1993, $0.30 on and after January 1, 1994, $0.31 on and after July 1, 1994, $0.32 on and after January 1, 1995, $0.33 on and after July 1, 1995, and $0.34 on and after January 1, 1996; on each gallon of gasohol to $0.24 on and after September 1, 1991, $0.25 on and after January 1, 1992, $0.27 on and after January 1, 1993, $0.28 on and after July 1, 1993, $0.29 on and after January 1, 1994, $0.30 on and after July 1, 1994, $0.31 on and after January 1, 1995, $0.32 on and after July 1, 1995, and $0.33 on and after July 1, 1996; and during the period from September 1, 1991, to June 30, 1992, on each gallon of diesel fuel sold or used in this state on and after September 1, 1991, during such preceding calendar month, of $0.18; P.A. 92-177 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute January 1, 1996, for July 1, 1996, to delete phrase “during the period from September 1, 1991, to June 30, 1992,” and to make technical changes for statutory consistency; P.A. 93-74 amended Subsec. (a), effective May 19, 1993, to increase the rate of tax on each gallon of fuel, except gasohol, to $0.34 on and after October 1, 1995, $0.35 on and after January 1, 1996, $0.36 on and after April 1, 1996, $0.37 on and after July 1, 1996, $0.38 on and after October 1, 1996, and $0.39 on and after January 1, 1997, on each gallon of gasohol to $0.33 on and after October 1, 1995, $0.34 on and after January 1, 1996, $0.35 on and after April 1, 1996, $0.36 on and after July 1, 1996, $0.37 on and after October 1, 1996, and $0.38 on and after January 1, 1997; P.A. 93-93 decreased the state excise tax on propane from $0.29 per gallon to $0.18 per gallon and placed propane in the same tax category as diesel fuel, thereby exempting propane from tax increases already scheduled for gasoline; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4 in Subsec. (a) reduced interest rate from 1.25% to 1%, provided that such interest may only be applied on the tax rather than on the tax and any penalty and provided for the commissioner to make a return for a taxpayer who fails to file a return within three months after the specified due date, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after said date, and added a new Subsec. (c) exempting railroads from paying the tax at the distributor, effective June 9, 1994; P.A. 95-24 amended Subsec. (a) to insert new Subdiv. indicators and designate former Subdivs. as Subparas. and to add Subdiv. (8) authorizing the commissioner to adopt regulations providing that distributors who only sell gas on which the tax is not payable may file reports at least annually, effective May 8, 1995, and applicable to sales of fuel on or after January 1, 1996; P.A. 95-26 amended Subsec. (b) to lower interest rate from 1.66% to 1%, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after July 1, 1995, whether or not those taxes first became due before said date; P.A. 95-159 amended Subsec. (a) to decrease the state excise tax on natural gas from $0.34 per gallon to $0.18 per gallon and placed natural gas in the same tax category as diesel fuel and propane, thereby exempting natural gas from scheduled tax increases for gasoline; P.A. 95-160 revised effective date of May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4 but without affecting this section; P.A. 97-243 added Subsec. (a)(3)(K) and (L) re fuel sold to the owner or operator of an aircraft exclusively for aviation purposes and re fuel sold to a licensed aviation fuel dealer and to make technical changes, effective June 24, 1997, and applicable to sales occurring on or after January 1, 1998; P.A. 97-281 added Subsec. (a)(3)(M) excluding diesel fuel sold exclusively for use in portable power system generators that are larger than 150 kilowatts, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to calendar quarters commencing on or after said date; P.A. 97-309 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to reduce the tax to $0.36 on July 1, 1997, and $0.33 on July 1, 1998, for gas and $0.35 on July 1, 1997, and $0.32 on July 1, 1998, for diesel, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to sales occurring on or after said date; P.A. 97-322 changed effective date of P.A. 97-309 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-128 amended Subsec. (a) to decrease rate of tax on each gallon of fuel, except gasohol, from $0.33 to $0.32 and on each gallon of gasohol from $0.32 to $0.31 on and after July 1, 1998; P.A. 98-190 amended Subsec. (a)(3)(B) to add (ii) re use exclusively in a school bus and lettered existing text as (i), effective July 1, 1998, and applicable to sales occurring on or after said date; P.A. 00-170 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to reduce the rate of tax on fuels to $0.25 and to reduce the rate of tax on gasohol to $0.24, effective July 1, 2000, and applicable to sales occurring on or after that date; P.A. 00-174 amended Subsec. (a)(3) to delete requirements for an affidavit for certain information required to be submitted and to add provisions re submission of a statement, effective July 1, 2000, and amended Subsec. (a)(8) to modify the requirements for reports re purchase and sale of fuel, effective May 26, 2000, and applicable to reports for periods commencing on or after July 1, 2000; P.A. 02-103 made technical changes in Subsec. (a)(3); May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 amended Subsec. (a) to increase the rate of tax on each gallon of diesel fuel, propane and natural gas to $0.26 on and after August 1, 2002, effective July 1, 2002, and applicable to fuels sold or used in this state on or after August 1, 2002; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to increase the tax on gasohol to $0.25 per gallon on and after July 1, 2004, effective May 12, 2004; P.A. 07-199 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by adding Subpara. (D) imposing on each gallon of propane or natural gas a rate of $0.26 on and after July 1, 2007, and Subpara. (E) imposing on each gallon of diesel fuel a rate of $0.36 on and after July 1, 2007, $0.368 on and after July 1, 2008, and $0.38 on and after July 1, 2013, effective July 1, 2007; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1 amended Subsec. (a)(2)(E) to impose a tax on diesel fuel at a rate of $0.37 on and after July 1, 2007, and at a rate to be determined by commissioner pursuant to Sec. 12-458h on and after July 1, 2008, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 14-222 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by adding Subpara. (N) re fuel sold for use in certain vessels, effective June 13, 2014; P.A. 18-81 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting references to rates prior to July 1, 2000, in Subdiv. (2)(A), references to rates prior to July 1, 2004, in Subdiv. (2)(B), reference to diesel fuel and rate prior to August 1, 2002, in Subdiv. (2)(C), and reference to rate prior to July 1, 2008, in Subdiv. (2)(E), adding Subpara. (O) re dyed diesel fuel in Subdiv. (3), and making technical changes, effective July 1, 2018, and applicable to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2018; P.A. 22-110 made a technical change in Subsec. (c).

See Sec. 12-462 re exempt aviation fuel.

See Sec. 12-462a re exempt dyed diesel fuel.

History of tax. 115 C. 557. Cited. 127 C. 293. Is an excise tax on persons using motor vehicles on highways; distributor is collecting agency; gasoline lost by him by shrinkage or handling is not taxable. 131 C. 708. Repealed section permitting deduction by distributor was printed in 1935 supplement by error. Id., 713. Cited. 136 C. 59; 205 C. 51.

Legislature's intent in enacting section was to impose burden of tax on fuel purchaser or user and to make distributor responsible only for collection and payment for account of purchaser; burden does not shift to distributor simply by virtue of distributor's failure to comply fully with statutory billing procedures. 76 CA 34.

“Sold or used” does not include gasoline lost by evaporation or spillage. 8 CS 342. Cited. Id., 350; 14 CS 472.

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Sec. 12-458a. Purchase of fuel for export by distributor licensed in another state. Any person, not licensed as a distributor in Connecticut under section 12-456, after having obtained a permit from the Commissioner of Revenue Services, may purchase fuel as defined in section 14-1, for export tax-free; provided such person shall hold a valid distributor's license issued by the state into which the fuel is transferred and shall comply with such regulations as the Commissioner of Revenue Services shall prescribe, which may include the filing of reports and of a corporate surety bond or other security acceptable to the commissioner in an amount not greater than twenty-five thousand dollars if so required by the commissioner.

(February, 1965, P.A. 58, S. 1; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 84-427, S. 3; P.A. 91-231, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 84-427 increased the amount of surety bond which the commissioner may require, in the case of a distributor licensed in a state other than Connecticut, from a maximum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000; P.A. 91-231 provided for the acceptance of security other than bonds by the commissioner.

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Sec. 12-458b. Payment of tax by persons other than distributors. Any person who receives fuels from an unlicensed distributor or in such form and under such circumstances as to preclude collection from a distributor of the tax imposed in section 12-458 and who thereafter sells or uses any such fuels in such manner or under such circumstances as to render such sale or use subject to said tax, is considered to be a distributor and shall make the same report, pay the same tax and be subject to all provisions of this chapter applicable to a distributor of such fuels except the surety bond requirement of section 12-456, provided any such person who is a contractor performing a service for a municipality or school district of this state in accordance with a contract shall, in lieu of filing tax returns monthly and paying taxes monthly, file a quarterly tax return on or before the last day of the month next succeeding the end of each calendar quarter and shall pay the taxes due with such return on or before the last day of the month next succeeding the end of each calendar quarter. Such person may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be required to file a surety bond or other security acceptable to the commissioner in an amount set by the commissioner.

(P.A. 75-491, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 86-7, S. 2, 3; P.A. 91-231, S. 7; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4, S. 60, 85; P.A. 95-160, S. 64, 69; P.A. 98-244, S. 20, 35.)

History: P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 86-7 included receipt of fuel from an unlicensed distributor, added a penalty provision and revised surety bond provision to remove $25,000 maximum amount, effective July 1, 1986, and applicable to fuels received by any person on or after said date; P.A. 91-231 provided for the acceptance of security other than bonds by the commissioner; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4 eliminated penalty provision, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after said date; P.A. 95-160 revised effective date of May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-244 amended section to require quarterly filing for tax return by contractors performing a service for a municipality or school district, effective June 8, 1998, and applicable to sales or use of fuel commencing on or after October 1, 1998.

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Sec. 12-458c. Imposition of tax not applicable to sales of fuel for certain uses. Section 12-458c is repealed.

(P.A. 82-25, S. 6, 10; P.A. 84-427, S. 6.)

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Sec. 12-458d. Imposition of fuel excise tax. (a) An excise tax per gallon of fuel, as defined in subsection (b) of section 12-455a, is hereby imposed in the following amounts on the following dates, upon all persons licensed to sell fuel under the provisions of section 14-319: Two cents per gallon on December 31, 1992, one cent per gallon on June 30, 1993, one cent per gallon on December 31, 1993, one cent per gallon on June 30, 1994, one cent per gallon on December 31, 1994, one cent per gallon on June 30, 1995, one cent per gallon on September 30, 1995, one cent per gallon on December 31, 1995, one cent per gallon on March 31, 1996, one cent per gallon on June 30, 1996, one cent per gallon on September 30, 1996, and one cent per gallon on December 31, 1996, provided no excise tax shall be imposed on diesel fuel on and after August 31, 1991.

(b) Each such licensee shall, not later than the first business day of the second month next following the date on which such tax is imposed, file with the Commissioner of Revenue Services, on forms prescribed by said commissioner, a report which shall show the number of gallons of fuel in inventory as of the close of business on the date on which such tax is imposed, or at midnight of such date, and at the same time shall pay such tax based upon the total gallonage shown on such report. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Revenue Services in the enforcement of this tax. Failure to file such report and pay the tax when due shall be sufficient reason to revoke any state license or permit held by such person and interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof shall be assessed on the amount of such tax not paid when due, from the date such tax becomes due to the date of payment.

(P.A. 84-254, S. 17, 62; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3, S. 122, 168; P.A. 92-177, S. 9, 12; P.A. 93-74, S. 35, 67; P.A. 95-26, S. 22, 52.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-3 amended Subsec. (a) to set the excise tax at $0.02 per gallon on August 31, 1991, $0.01 per gallon on December 31, 1991, $0.02 per gallon on December 31, 1992, $0.01 per gallon on June 30, 1993, on December 31, 1993, and on June 30, 1994, $0.02 per gallon on December 31, 1994, and $0.01 per gallon on June 30, 1995, and on December 31, 1995, provided that no excise tax be imposed on diesel fuel on August 30, 1991, and an excise tax of $0.10 per gallon be imposed on diesel fuel on June 30, 1992; P.A. 92-177 amended Subsec. (a) to decrease excise tax from $0.02 to $0.01 per gallon on December 31, 1994, to substitute August 31, 1991, for August 30, 1991, in the prohibition on the imposition of excise tax on diesel fuel, and to eliminate requirement that excise tax of $0.10 per gallon be imposed on diesel fuel on June 30, 1992, and amended Subsec. (b) to require licensee to file report and pay tax not later than first business day of second month next following date on which tax is imposed in lieu of first business day of “each August”; P.A. 93-74 amended Subsec. (a), effective January 1, 1994, to set excise tax at $0.01 per gallon on September 30, 1995, on March 31, 1996, on June 30, 1996, on September 30, 1996, and on December 31, 1996; P.A. 95-26 amended Subsec. (b) to lower interest rate from 15% per annum to 1% per month, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after July 1, 1995, whether or not those taxes first became due before said date.

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Sec. 12-458e. Liability for wilful nonpayment of taxes collected. Each person, other than a distributor, who is required, on behalf of a distributor, to collect, truthfully account for and pay over the tax imposed on such distributor under this chapter and who wilfully fails to collect such tax or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or who wilfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat the tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable for a penalty equal to the total amount of the tax evaded, or not collected, or not accounted for and paid over, including any penalty or interest attributable to such wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or such wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax, provided such penalty shall only be imposed against such person in the event that such tax, penalty or interest cannot otherwise be collected from the distributor itself in accordance with section 12-475. The amount of such penalty with respect to which a person may be personally liable under this section shall be collected in accordance with said section 12-475 and any amount so collected shall be allowed as a credit against the amount of such tax, penalty or interest due and owing from the distributor. The dissolution of such distributor shall not discharge any person in relation to any personal liability under this section for wilful failure to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or for a wilful attempt to evade or defeat such tax prior to dissolution, except as otherwise provided in this section. For purposes of this section, “person” includes any individual, corporation, limited liability company or partnership and any officer or employee of any corporation, including a dissolved corporation, and a member or employee of any partnership or limited liability company who, as such officer, employee or member, is under a duty to file a tax return under this chapter on behalf of a distributor or to collect or truthfully account for and pay over the tax imposed under this chapter on behalf of a distributor.

(P.A. 85-447, S. 1, 2; P.A. 97-243, S. 35, 67.)

History: P.A. 85-447 effective July 1, 1985, and applicable with respect to any report or tax due on or after that date; P.A. 97-243 extended liability that any officer of corporation has to any person required to collect, truthfully account for and pay over taxes and defined “person”, effective June 24, 1997, and applicable to taxable periods commencing on or after July 1, 1997.

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Sec. 12-458f. Alternative fuels not subject to tax. On and after July 1, 1994, and until July 1, 2008, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas shall not be subject to the tax imposed under section 12-458.

(P.A. 94-170, S. 3, 5; P.A. 96-183, S. 2, 4; 96-222, S. 35, 41; P.A. 99-173, S. 30, 65; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-4, S. 12; P.A. 04-231, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 94-170 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 96-183 deleted requirement that fuel be sold to a covered fleet as defined in the federal Clean Air Act, effective May 31, 1996, and applicable to calendar quarters commencing on or after July 1, 1996; P.A. 96-222 substituted July 1, 2001, for July 1, 1999, and deleted same proviso as P.A. 96-183, effective June 4, 1996, and applicable to calendar quarters commencing on or after July 1, 1996; P.A. 99-173 extended sunset from July 1, 2001, to July 1, 2002, effective June 23, 1999; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-4 extended the sunset for the exemption from July 1, 2002, to July 1, 2004, effective July 1, 2002, and applicable to sales or use occurring on or after July 1, 2002; P.A. 04-231 extended the sunset for the exemption from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2008, effective July 1, 2004.

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Sec. 12-458g. Diesel inventory tax as of July 1, 2002. (a) An excise tax is hereby imposed upon each person licensed to sell fuel under the provisions of section 14-319 in the amount of eight cents per gallon of diesel fuel in such licensee's inventory on July 31, 2002.

(b) Each such licensee shall, not later than September 1, 2002, file with the Commissioner of Revenue Services, on forms prescribed by said commissioner, a report which shall show the number of gallons of diesel fuel in inventory as of the close of business on July 31, 2002, or, if the business closes after 11:59 p.m. on such date, at 11:59 p.m. on such date, and shall, not later than September 1, 2002, pay such tax based upon the total gallonage shown on such report. Interest at the rate of one per cent per month or fraction thereof shall be assessed on the amount of such tax not paid when due, from the date such tax became due to the date of payment. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Revenue Services in the enforcement of this tax. Failure to file such report and pay the tax when due shall be sufficient reason to revoke any state license or permit held by such person. Failure to file such report shall be treated as a failure to file a report required to be filed under the provisions of this chapter. The filing of an incorrect report shall be treated as the filing of an incorrect report under the provisions of this chapter.

(May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 74.)

History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 effective July 1, 2002.

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Sec. 12-458h. Calculation of rate of tax to be imposed on the sale or use of diesel fuel. (a)(1) The Commissioner of Revenue Services shall, on or before June 15, 2008, and on or before the fifteenth day of June thereafter, calculate, in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the applicable tax rate per gallon of diesel fuel on the sale or use of such fuel during the twelve-month period beginning on the next succeeding July first, and shall notify each distributor, the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding, and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management of such applicable tax rate.

(2) The commissioner shall, on or before June 15, 2008, and on or before the fifteenth day of June thereafter, determine the average wholesale price per gallon of diesel fuel in this state during the twelve-month period ending on the next preceding March thirty-first by using wholesale price information for diesel fuel published by the Oil Price Information Service. Such wholesale price information for “Hartford/Rocky Hill” and “New Haven” shall be averaged by the commissioner. If either the first or last day of such twelve-month period falls on a Sunday or a legal holiday, as defined in section 1-4, the next succeeding day which is not a Sunday or legal holiday shall be substituted for such first or last day, as the case may be.

(b) (1) The applicable tax rate per gallon of diesel fuel shall be the sum of (A) the fixed rate per gallon, as defined in this subdivision, and (B) the product calculated in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection. The sum shall be rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent. For purposes of this subdivision, “the fixed rate per gallon” on the sale or use of diesel fuel during the twelve-month period beginning on the first day of July in 2008, 2009 and 2010 is twenty-six cents, and on the sale or use of diesel fuel during the twelve-month period beginning on the first day of July in 2011, and each year thereafter, is twenty-nine cents.

(2) The commissioner shall multiply (A) the average wholesale price per gallon of diesel fuel, as determined in accordance with subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, by (B) the tax rate specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 12-587. The tax rate so specified shall be the tax rate in effect for the twelve-month period beginning on the next succeeding July first.

(c) For purposes of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 12-459, the tax provided for by section 12-458 shall, if determined by the commissioner to be eligible for refund, be refunded at the tax rate per gallon specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1, S. 136; P.A. 11-6, S. 100.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1 effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (b)(1) by changing $.26 to the fixed rate per gallon in Subpara. (A), and defining “fixed rate per gallon” as $.26 for 12-month periods beginning in July of 2008, 2009 and 2010, and as $.29 for 12-month periods beginning July 1, 2011, and thereafter, effective July 1, 2011 (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (c), a reference to “subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section” to conform with changes made by P.A. 11-6).

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Sec. 12-458i. Computation of tax on motor vehicle fuels in a gaseous form. (a) The Commissioner of Revenue Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, shall, on or before June 15, 2014, and on or before each June fifteenth thereafter, issue information concerning the computation of tax on motor vehicle fuels occurring in gaseous form. Such information shall include the conversion factor to be used to determine the liquid gallon equivalent of motor vehicle fuels in a gaseous form. Such conversion factor shall be consistent with the applicable federal standard, and shall be applicable for the twelve-month period beginning on the succeeding July first.

(b) The provisions of this section shall apply to propane only if such propane is used exclusively in motor vehicles owned by the purchaser of such propane and provided such propane is stored in a cylinder or tank owned by the purchaser. For purposes of this section, “propane” means a gaseous paraffin hydrocarbon that becomes liquid under pressure or reduced temperatures.

(P.A. 14-155, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 14-155 effective June 11, 2014.

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Sec. 12-459. Refunds of tax related to certain uses of fuel. (a) The payment of the tax provided for by section 12-458 shall be subject to refund as provided herein when such fuel has been sold for use of any of the following:

(1) Any person, other than one engaged in the business of farming, when such fuel is used other than in motor vehicles licensed or required to be licensed to operate upon the public highways of this state, except that no tax paid on fuel that is taken out of this state in a fuel tank connected with the engine of a motor vehicle and that is consumed without this state shall be refunded;

(2) Any person engaged in the business of farming, when such fuel is used other than in motor vehicles licensed or required to be licensed to operate upon the public highways of this state or such fuel is used in motor vehicles registered exclusively for farming purposes, except that no tax paid on fuel that is taken out of this state in a fuel tank connected with the engine of a motor vehicle and that is consumed without this state shall be refunded;

(3) The United States;

(4) A Connecticut motor bus company, as defined in subsection (e) of section 12-455a, engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire in this state in common carrier motor vehicles, or any person, association or corporation engaged in the business of operating taxicabs in this state pursuant to a certificate under chapter 244a, when such fuel is used in such common carrier motor vehicle or taxicab on roads in this state, except that with respect to such fuel used in a taxicab only fifty per cent of the tax paid on any purchase of fuel applicable to mileage on any roads in this state shall be refunded;

(5) Any person, association or corporation engaged in the business of operating a motor vehicle in livery service pursuant to a permit issued under chapter 244b, or a motor bus over highways within this state and between points within and without this state pursuant to a permit issued under chapter 244, when such fuel is used in such motor bus on roads in this state for the exclusive purpose of transporting passengers for hire to or from airport facilities, except that with respect to any such motor vehicle in livery service pursuant to a permit issued under chapter 244b only fifty per cent of the tax paid on any purchase of fuel applicable to mileage on any roads in this state shall be refunded;

(6) This state or a municipality of this state, when such fuel is used in vehicles owned and operated, or leased and operated, by this state or municipality for governmental purposes;

(7) Any school bus, as defined in section 14-275;

(8) A hospital, when such fuel is used in an ambulance owned by such hospital;

(9) A nonprofit civic organization approved by the commissioner, when such fuel is used in an ambulance owned by such organization;

(10) A transit district formed under chapter 103a or any special act, when such fuel is used in vehicles owned and operated, or leased and operated, by such transit district for the purposes of such transit district;

(11) A corporation or an employee of a corporation or of the United States, this state or a municipality of this state, when such fuel is used in a high-occupancy commuter vehicle on roads in this state, which vehicle is owned or leased by such corporation or such employee, seats at least ten but not more than fifteen passengers and has a minimum average daily passenger usage of nine persons to and from work, for the purpose of transporting such passengers to and from work daily;

(12) A person, corporation or association operating a motor vehicle in livery service that is registered in accordance with the provisions of section 13b-83, when such fuel is used in such motor vehicle in livery service on roads in this state;

(13) A federally funded nutrition program approved by the commissioner, when such fuel is used in a delivery vehicle on roads in this state for the exclusive purpose of delivering meals to senior citizens;

(14) A company, when such fuel has been used and consumed exclusively for hauling waste for the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority's mid-Connecticut project; and

(15) Any emergency medical service organization, as defined in section 19a-175, when such fuel is used in an ambulance owned by such organization.

(b) All claims for refund shall be accompanied by original invoices or sales receipts or other statements of fact, under penalty of false statement, showing, to the satisfaction of the commissioner, that the tax has been paid on the fuel involved in such refund, and any other information that is deemed necessary by the commissioner for the determination of such claims. Any claim for refund of such tax for fuel used during any calendar year shall be filed with the commissioner on or before May thirty-first of the succeeding year. Such claim shall be on a form prescribed by the commissioner that shall contain such information as the commissioner deems necessary for the determination of such claim.

(c) Each claim for refund filed under this section shall involve at least two hundred gallons of fuel eligible for tax refund.

(d) (1) The commissioner shall, within ninety days after receipt of any claims under this section, transmit all claims approved by the commissioner to the Comptroller, who shall draw an order upon the State Treasurer for payment. If the commissioner determines that any such claim is not valid, either in whole or in part, the commissioner shall mail notice of the proposed disallowance to the claimant and such notice shall set forth briefly the commissioner's findings of fact and the basis of disallowance in each case decided in whole or in part adversely to the claimant. Sixty days after the date on which it is mailed, a notice of proposed disallowance shall constitute a final disallowance except only for such amounts as to which the claimant has filed, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, a written protest with the commissioner.

(2) On or before the sixtieth day after the mailing of the proposed disallowance, the claimant may file with the commissioner a written protest against the proposed disallowance in which the claimant sets forth the grounds on which the protest is based. If a protest is filed, the commissioner shall reconsider the proposed disallowance and, if the claimant has so requested, may grant or deny the claimant or the claimant's authorized representatives an oral hearing.

(3) The commissioner shall mail notice of the commissioner's determination to the claimant, which notice shall set forth briefly the commissioner's findings of fact and the basis of decision in each case decided in whole or in part adversely to the claimant.

(4) The action of the commissioner on the claimant's protest shall be final upon the expiration of one month from the date on which the commissioner mails notice of the commissioner's action to the claimant unless within such period the claimant seeks judicial review pursuant to section 12-463 of the commissioner's determination.

(e) Repealed by P.A. 88-314, S. 53, 54.

(1949 Rev., S. 2555; 1953, S. 1416d; 1957, P.A. 170; 543, S. 1, 2; 1958 Rev., S. 14-337; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 5; 673, S. 2; 1963, P.A. 219; 233; 1967, P.A. 625, S. 2; 1969, P.A. 392; P.A. 77-542, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-322, S. 2, 5; P.A. 79-627, S. 4, 6; P.A. 82-25, S. 2, 10; P.A. 84-427, S. 4; 84-541, S. 1, 2; P.A. 85-437, S. 1; P.A. 88-314, S. 53, 54; P.A. 97-232, S. 1, 2; 97-243, S. 58, 67; P.A. 98-190, S. 2, 3; 98-244, S. 21, 35; P.A. 03-225, S. 11; P.A. 07-250, S. 15; P.A. 14-94, S. 1; P.A. 22-118, S. 432.)

History: 1959 acts replaced previous provisions; 1963 acts made technical changes and required form in Subsec. (b) to contain information required for federal gas tax refunds; 1967 act required that application for refund be filed within one year, rather than six months, of purchase in Subsec. (a), required that claim contain information deemed necessary by commissioner, rather than same information as required for refunds of federal gasoline tax and added new Subsec. (c) requiring claim to pertain to at least 100 gallons, relettering remaining Subsecs. accordingly; 1969 act amended Subsec. (b) to replace “one-year” with “twelve-month”, “June thirtieth” with “December thirty-first”, “September thirtieth” with “March thirty-first” and “same year” with “succeeding year” in provision re refund claims and added exception for initial claims; P.A. 77-542 included in 50% refund provision of Subsec. (a) “any person, association or corporation engaged in the business of operating taxicabs in this state ...”; P.A. 78-322 amended Subsec. (a) to provide 50% refund for operation on any road in state rather than on town and city roads and to include in eligibility for refund persons, associations or corporations operating a motor vehicle in livery service or motor bus for transporting passengers to and from airports, effective July 1, 1978, and applicable to motor fuel or special fuel purchased for use on or after that date except that any provisions concerning refund of tax with respect to motor fuel or special fuel used in taxicabs shall be applicable to such fuel purchased for that use on or after July 1, 1977; P.A. 79-627 included gasohol under Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 1979, and applicable to fuel sold on or after that date; P.A. 82-25 revised refund provisions so as to be applicable to any use of fuel for which refund is allowed, enabling repeal of Sec. 12-460 which also concerned refund of tax related to certain uses, effective July 1, 1982 and applicable to fuel sales by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 84-427 amended Subsec. (a)(10) by clarifying that the refund provisions are applicable in the case of a transit district if the fuel is used in vehicles owned and operated, or leased and operated, by such transit district; P.A. 84-541 added definition of Connecticut motor bus company by reference to Sec. 12-455a and provided for full refund of motor fuel tax for fuel used by Connecticut motor buses in operation on or after July 1, 1984; P.A. 85-437 added Subsec. (a)(12) which provides for the refunding of the tax to any person, corporation or association operating a motor vehicle in livery service which is registered in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 13b-83; P.A. 88-314 repealed former Subsec. (e) which had specified penalties for false or fraudulent refund claims, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date; P.A. 97-232 added Subsec. (a)(13) re fuel used in delivery of federally funded nutrition program, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to fuel sales on or after July 1, 1997; P.A. 97-243 amended Subsec. (d) to provide for an administrative hearing with the department before taking an appeal to the Superior Court and establish the time for filing a claim, effective July 1, 1997, and applicable to claims for refund filed on or after said date; P.A. 98-190 amended Subsec. (a)(7) to delete existing language and insert any school bus as defined in Sec. 14-275, effective July 1, 1998, and applicable to sales occurring on or after said date; P.A. 98-244 amended Subsec. (b) to change the date by which claims for refund must be filed from March thirty-first to May thirty-first, effective June 8, 1998, and applicable to claims for refund filed on or after January 1, 1999; P.A. 03-225 amended Subsec. (a) to specify in Subdivs. (11), (12) and (13) that refunds are for use of fuel in vehicles on roads in this state, effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 07-250 added Subsec. (a)(14) re fuel used for hauling waste for Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority's mid-Connecticut project, effective July 1, 2007, and applicable to claims for refund filed on or after that date; pursuant to P.A. 14-94, “Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority's” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority's” in Subsec. (a)(14), effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 22-118 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. (15) re fuel used in ambulance owned by emergency medical service organization, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2022.

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Secs. 12-459a and 12-460. Definition. Refunds for fuel used by certain municipal and other vehicles. Sections 12-459a and 12-460 are repealed.

(1949, Rev., S. 2553; 1953, S. 1415d; 1958 Rev., S. 14-338; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 6; 673, S. 3, 4; 1961, P.A. 89, S. 2; 1963, P.A. 165; February, 1965, P.A. 70; 1969, P.A. 386, S. 1; 615; 1971, P.A. 784, S. 2; June, 1971, P.A. 1, S. 8; 1972, P.A. 205, S. 2; P.A. 74-248, S. 1, 2; P.A. 75-511, S. 2, 3; P.A. 78-322, S. 1, 5; P.A. 82-25, S. 9, 10.)

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Sec. 12-460a. Deposit of certain tax revenues into the Conservation Fund. Section 12-460a is repealed, effective October 1, 2009.

(P.A. 95-160, S. 50, 69; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13; P.A. 98-225, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-173, S. 55, 65; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 13, 51; P.A. 00-170, S. 37, 42; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 72; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 513.)

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Sec. 12-461. Hearings before commissioner concerning any tax, penalty or interest under this chapter. Request for hearing by distributor. Related procedures. Any distributor aggrieved by the action of the commissioner or his authorized agent in fixing the amount of any tax, penalty or interest provided for by this chapter may apply to the commissioner, in writing, within sixty days after the notice of such action is delivered or mailed to it, for a hearing and a correction of the amount of such tax, penalty or interest so fixed, setting forth the reasons why such hearing should be granted and the amount in which such tax, penalty or interest should be reduced. The commissioner shall promptly consider each such application and may grant or deny the hearing requested. If the hearing is denied, the applicant shall be notified forthwith. If it is granted, the commissioner shall notify the applicant of the time and place fixed for such hearing. After such hearing the commissioner may make such order in the premises as appears to him just and lawful and shall furnish a copy of such order to the applicant. The commissioner may, by notice in writing, at any time within three years after the date when any return of any distributor has been due, order a hearing on his own initiative and require the distributor or any other individual whom he believes to be in possession of relevant information concerning the distributor to appear before him or his authorized agent with any specified books of account, papers or other documents, for examination under oath. The commissioner, after a hearing, may suspend or revoke the distributor's license of any distributor violating any provision of this chapter.

(1949 Rev., S. 2557; 1958 Rev., S. 14-339; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 7; 1971, P.A. 870, S. 99; P.A. 76-436, S. 320, 681; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 5, 127; P.A. 82-259, S. 4, 7; P.A. 91-236, S. 10, 25.)

Cited. 31 CS 134.

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Sec. 12-461a. Fuel held or transported with intent to avoid tax. Declared contraband. Seizure and sale thereof. Any fuel subject to tax imposed under this chapter, which in the course of transport within the state is not properly supported by invoice or delivery tickets as required by section 12-461b and which is in the possession, custody or control of any person for purposes of being consumed, sold or transported in this state, with intent to evade or violate the provisions of this chapter or avoid payment of the tax imposed hereunder and any truck, tractor, trailer, vessel, conveyance or other vehicle used in the transportation of such fuel and all other paraphernalia, equipment or other tangible personal property, incident to use for such purposes, found in the place, building, truck, tractor, trailer, vessel, conveyance or other vehicle where such fuel is found, are declared to be contraband goods; and any house, building or other premises and any vehicle or other conveyance suspected of containing such contraband goods may be searched under due process of law; and any such contraband goods may be seized by the commissioner, his agents or employees, or by any peace officer of this state when directed by the commissioner to do so, without a warrant, provided nothing herein shall be construed to require the commissioner to confiscate fuel or property when he has reason to believe that the owner, consignee or consignor thereof is not wilfully or intentionally evading the tax imposed under this chapter. Any property seized under the provisions of this chapter may, in the discretion of the commissioner, be offered by the commissioner for sale at public auction to the highest bidder after advertisement as provided in section 12-461c, or the commissioner may dispose of such property in a manner which he deems to be in the best interest of the state. The commissioner shall deliver to the State Treasurer the proceeds of any sale made under the provisions of this section. The seizure and sale of any fuel or property under the provisions of this section shall not relieve any person from a fine or other penalty for violation of this chapter.

(P.A. 85-391, S. 2, 7.)

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Sec. 12-461b. Fuel in transport must be supported by valid invoices. Seller or consignor required to be distributor. Violations deemed fuel contraband and subject to seizure. Every person who transports fuels upon the public highways, roads, streets or waterways of this state shall have in his actual possession invoices or delivery tickets for such fuels, which shall show the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser and the number of gallons and type of fuel so transported. If the fuel is consigned to or delivered to or purchased by any person in Connecticut, such seller or consignor shall be a distributor licensed as provided in section 12-456; if the invoices or delivery tickets specify that the fuel is to be delivered to any person in any other state or jurisdiction, such seller or consignor shall be required to be authorized by the laws of such other state or jurisdiction to engage in the business of distributing fuel on which the taxes imposed by such other state or jurisdiction have not been paid. In the absence of such invoices or delivery tickets, or, if the name or address of the consignee or purchaser is falsified or if the seller or consignor is not authorized to distribute fuel, the fuel so transported shall be deemed contraband and shall be subject to confiscation. Any transporter, shipper or any person who violates any provision of this section shall be imprisoned not more than one year or be fined not more than one thousand dollars or both.

(P.A. 85-391, S. 3, 7; P.A. 86-7, S. 1, 3.)

History: P.A. 86-7 applied provisions to transportation of fuels on waterways.

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Sec. 12-461c. Fuel and property subject to seizure. Procedure for sale thereof. When any property has been seized under the provisions of section 12-461a, the commissioner may, at his discretion, after a hearing as provided in section 12-461, advertise such property for sale in a newspaper published or having a circulation in the town in which the seizure took place, at least five days before the sale. Any person claiming an interest in such property may make written application to the commissioner for a hearing, stating his interest in the property and his reasons why such interest should not be forfeited. Further proceedings on such application for hearing shall be taken as provided in sections 12-461 and 12-463. No sale of any property under the provisions of section 12-461a shall be made while an application for a hearing is pending before the commissioner, but the pendency of an appeal under the provisions of said section 12-463 shall not prevent the sale unless the appellant posts a satisfactory bond, with surety, in an amount double the estimated value of the property, conditioned upon the successful termination of the appeal. When any such sale has been consummated, the proceeds thereof shall become the property of the state, provided any person who has an interest in such property shall have the same rights with respect to the proceeds of such sale as such person had in relation to such property prior to sale.

(P.A. 85-391, S. 4, 7.)

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Sec. 12-462. Exempt aviation fuel. (a) The commissioner may license dealers to purchase fuel that is exempt under subparagraph (L) of subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 12-458 from distributors and to sell such nontaxable fuel, provided they can properly control such sale, through meters or by full tank wagon compartment delivery, directly into the fuel tank of any aircraft or aircraft engine. The dealer so licensed shall keep and maintain proper accounting records of all purchases from the distributor and sales invoices to the purchaser, showing the signature of the purchaser and the license number of the aircraft serviced, and the inventory on hand on the first day of each month. Such records shall be preserved for a period of at least three years and shall be audited by the commissioner at regular intervals. Any discrepancies found to exist for which a satisfactory explanation cannot be submitted shall be subject to the tax imposed by section 12-458 against such dealer. The license to sell fuel as a dealer under this subsection may be revoked if the licensee fails to properly control and safeguard the state from any diversion to uses other than those specified in this section.

(b) Each distributor of aviation turbine fuel shall, on or before the twenty-fifth day of each month, render a report to the commissioner. Such report shall state the number of gallons of aviation turbine fuel sold or used by him during the preceding calendar month, on forms to be furnished by the commissioner, and shall contain such further information as the commissioner shall prescribe.

(1949, S. 1419d; 1957, P.A. 666; 1958 Rev., S. 14-344; 1959, P.A. 456; 579, S. 8; 1967, P.A. 625, S. 3; P.A. 79-631, S. 45, 111; P.A. 84-427, S. 5; P.A. 97-243, S. 36, 67; P.A. 98-262, S. 8, 22.)

History: Later 1959 act replaced previous provisions; 1967 act substituted discrepancies “for which a satisfactory explanation cannot be submitted” for discrepancies “not accounted for by spillage, shrinkage or evaporation” and tax “imposed by section 12-458” for tax “of $0.06; P.A. 79-631 made technical changes; P.A. 84-427 deleted the reference to repealed Sec. 12-466 and added Subsec. (b) requiring that each distributor of aviation turbine fuel shall be required to submit to the commissioner, monthly, a report concerning the number of gallons of such fuel sold or used by such distributor during the preceding month; P.A. 97-243 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for the tax free sales of aviation fuel for aviation purpose at airports and to make conforming and technical changes, effective June 24, 1997, and applicable to sales occurring on or after January 1, 1998; P.A. 98-262 amended Subsec. (a) to change reference from Subpara. (M) to Subpara. (L) of Sec. 12-458(a)(3), effective June 8, 1998.

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Sec. 12-462a. Exempt dyed diesel fuel. (a) The Commissioner of Revenue Services may license the owner or operator of marine fuel docks to purchase dyed diesel fuel, as defined in subsection (d) of section 12-487, that is exempt under subparagraph (O) of subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 12-458, from distributors and to sell such nontaxable fuel, provided such owner or operator can properly control such sale, through meters or pumps or other dispensing devices, directly into the fuel tank of any vessel or vessel motor. Such owner or operator shall keep and maintain proper accounting records of all purchases from the distributor and sales invoices to the purchaser, showing the signature of the purchaser and the vessel registration number of the vessel serviced, and the inventory on hand on the first day of each month. Such records shall be preserved for a period of at least three years and shall be audited by the commissioner at regular intervals. Any discrepancies found to exist for which a satisfactory explanation cannot be submitted shall be subject to the tax imposed by section 12-458, against such owner or operator. The license to sell dyed diesel fuel under this section may be revoked if the licensee fails to properly control and safeguard the state from any diversion to uses other than for marine purposes.

(b) Each distributor of dyed diesel fuel shall, on or before the twenty-fifth of each month, render a report to the commissioner. Such report shall state the number of gallons of dyed diesel fuel sold or used by such distributor during the preceding calendar month, on forms to be furnished by the commissioner, and shall contain such additional information as the commissioner prescribes.

(P.A. 18-81, S. 65.)

History: P.A. 18-81 effective July 1, 2018.

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Sec. 12-463. Appeal to Superior Court by distributor concerning determination by commissioner under this chapter. Any distributor aggrieved because of any order, decision, determination or disallowance of the commissioner made under this chapter may, not later than thirty days after service of notice of such order, decision, determination or disallowance, take an appeal therefrom to the superior court for the judicial district of New Britain, which shall be accompanied by a citation to the Commissioner of Revenue Services to appear before said court. Such citation shall be signed by the same authority, and such appeal shall be returnable at the same time and served and returned in the same manner, as is required in case of a summons in a civil action. The authority issuing the citation shall take from the appellant a bond or recognizance to the state of Connecticut, with surety, to prosecute the appeal to effect and to comply with the orders and decrees of the court in the premises. Such appeals shall be preferred cases, to be heard, unless cause appears to the contrary, at the first session, by the court or by a committee appointed by it. Said court may grant such relief as may be equitable and, if such tax has been paid prior to the granting of such relief, may order the Treasurer to pay the amount of such relief, with interest at the rate of two-thirds of one per cent per month or fraction thereof to the aggrieved distributor. If the appeal has been taken without probable cause, the court may tax double or triple costs, as the case demands; and, upon all such appeals which may be denied, costs may be taxed against the appellant at the discretion of the court, but no costs shall be taxed against the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 2556; 1958 Rev., S. 14-339; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 9; 1971, P.A. 870, S. 100; P.A. 76-436, S. 321, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 5, 6, 127; P.A. 82-259, S. 5, 7; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 89-343, S. 13, 17; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-26, S. 23, 52; 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 99-215, S. 24, 29; P.A. 19-186, S. 20.)

History: 1959 act replaced previous provisions; 1971 act substituted court of common pleas for superior court, effective September 1, 1971, except that courts with cases pending retain jurisdiction unless matters pending deemed transferable; P.A. 76-436 substituted superior court for court of common pleas and “Hartford county” for “county of Hartford”, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-280 substituted judicial district of Hartford-New Britain for Hartford county; P.A. 82-259 amended section by deleting provisions pertaining to suspension or revocation of a distributor's license and appeal from such action to superior court, and substituting in lieu thereof a procedure for appeal to superior court by any distributor aggrieved by any determination by the commissioner under this chapter; P.A. 88-230 replaced “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” with “judicial district of Hartford”, effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 89-343 increased the rate of interest on the amount of relief ordered by the court from 6% to 90% per annum; P.A. 90-98 changed effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-26 lowered interest rate from 9% per annum to 0.66% per month, effective July 1, 1995, and applicable to taxes due and owing on or after July 1, 1995, whether or not those taxes first became due before said date; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-215 replaced “judicial district of Hartford” with “judicial district of New Britain”, effective June 29, 1999; P.A. 19-186 replaced “within one month” with “not later than thirty days”, effective July 8, 2019.

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Sec. 12-464. Penalties for wilful violations or fraudulent intent. (a) Any person required under this chapter to pay any tax, or required under this chapter or by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of section 12-475 to make a report, keep any records or supply any information, who wilfully fails to pay such tax, make such report, keep such records, or supply such information, at the time required by law or regulations, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 54-193, no person shall be prosecuted for a violation of the provisions of this subsection committed on or after July 1, 1997, except within three years next after such violation has been committed. As used in this section, person includes any officer or employee of a corporation or a member or employee of a partnership under a duty to pay such tax, to make such report, keep such records or supply such information.

(b) Any person who wilfully delivers or discloses to the commissioner or his authorized agent any list, report, account, statement, or other document, known by him to be fraudulent or false in any material matter, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, be guilty of a class D felony. No person shall be charged with an offense under both subsections (a) and (b) of this section in relation to the same tax period but such person may be charged and prosecuted for both such offenses upon the same information.

(c) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, for which no other penalty is provided, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

(1949 Rev., S. 2561; 1953, S. 1418d; 1958 Rev., S. 14-343; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 10; 1971, P.A. 140, S. 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 82-172, S. 8, 14; P.A. 88-314, S. 34, 54; P.A. 97-203, S. 8, 20; P.A. 13-258, S. 52.)

History: 1959 act replaced previous provisions; 1971 act substituted “section 12-456” for repealed Sec. 12-455; P.A. 77-614 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 82-172 eliminated reference to enforcement of payment of tax on motor fuel not paid when due (provisions for collection of said tax, state liens and foreclosure procedure included in section 12-475); P.A. 88-314 deleted the entire section concerning the applicable penalty for making a false or fraudulent return and substituted in lieu thereof penalty provisions pertaining to wilful failure to pay the tax or file a return or report within the time required or wilful delivery of a return or other document known to be false in any material matter, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date; P.A. 97-203 amended Subsec. (a) to extend to three years the time within which persons wilfully failing to file tax returns or pay taxes may be criminally prosecuted, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 13-258 amended Subsec. (b) to change penalty from fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 5 years or less than 1 year to a class D felony.

Taxpayer may pay under protest and sue for recovery if he claims tax not due. 115 C. 562.

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Secs. 12-465 to 12-474. Special fuels tax. Sections 12-465 to 12-474, inclusive, are repealed.

(1959, P.A. 579, S. 11–20; 1961, P.A. 336, S. 1, 2; 1963, P.A. 145; 146; 147; 148; February, 1965, P.A. 83, S. 1; 325, S. 11; 1967, P.A. 8, S. 1; 625, S. 4, 5; 1969, P.A. 388, S. 15; 612, S. 2; June, 1971, P.A. 8, S. 32, 33; P.A. 73-2, S. 2, 11; 73-636, S. 2, 3; P.A. 75-374, S. 2, 3; P.A. 76-114, S. 6, 21; 76-284, S. 1, 2; 76-436, S. 322, 681; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; 78-322, S. 4, 5; P.A. 79-32, S. 1, 2; 79-221, S. 1, 2; P.A. 81-64, S. 14, 23; 81-411, S. 33, 42; P.A. 82-25, S. 9, 10; 82-472, S. 182, 183.)

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Sec. 12-475. Regulations. Enforcement. Collection procedure. Lien against real estate. Investigation or hearing procedure. (a) The Commissioner of Revenue Services shall prescribe regulations for the enforcement of this chapter.

(b) The commissioner is authorized to avail himself or herself of the services of the state police and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in enforcing this chapter.

(c) The amount of any tax, penalty or interest due and unpaid under the provisions of this chapter may be collected under the provisions of section 12-35. The warrant therein provided for shall be signed by the commissioner or his or her authorized agent. The amount of any such tax, penalty and interest shall be a lien, from the last day of the month next preceding the due date of such tax until discharged by payment, against all real estate of the taxpayer within the state, and a certificate of such lien signed by the commissioner may be filed for record in the office of the clerk of any town in which such real estate is situated, provided no such lien shall be effective as against any bona fide purchaser or qualified encumbrancer of any interest in any such property. When any tax with respect to which a lien has been recorded under the provisions of this section has been satisfied, the commissioner, upon request of any interested party, shall issue a certificate discharging such lien, which certificate shall be recorded in the same office in which the lien is recorded. Any action for the foreclosure of such lien shall be brought by the Attorney General in the name of the state in the superior court for the judicial district in which the property subject to such lien is situated, or, if such property is located in two or more judicial districts, in the superior court for any one such judicial district, and the court may limit the time for redemption or order the sale of such property or make such other or further decree as it judges equitable.

(d) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner, and any representative of the commissioner authorized to conduct any inquiry, investigation or hearing, may administer oaths and take testimony under oath in any inquiry or investigation related to the tax imposed under this chapter. At any such hearing ordered by the commissioner, the commissioner or the commissioner's representative authorized to conduct such hearing and to issue such process as may be necessary for such hearing may subpoena witnesses and require the production of books, papers and documents pertinent to such inquiry. No witness under subpoena shall be excused from testifying or from producing books or other documentary evidence on the ground that such testimony or the production of such books or other documentary evidence would tend to incriminate the witness provided such evidence or the books or other documentary evidence so produced shall not be used in any criminal proceeding against the witness. If any person disobeys such process or, having appeared in obedience to such process, refuses to answer any pertinent question put to him or her by the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative, or to produce any books and other documentary evidence pursuant to such questioning, the commissioner or such representative may apply to the superior court for the judicial district in which the taxpayer resides or in which the business has been conducted setting forth such disobedience to process or refusal to answer. The court shall order such person to appear before said court to answer such question or to produce such books and documentary evidence and, upon such person's refusal to do so, shall commit such person to a community correctional center until such person testifies, but not for a longer period than sixty days. Notwithstanding the serving of the term of such commitment by any person, the commissioner may proceed in all respects with such inquiry and examination as if the witness had not previously been called upon to testify.

(1959, P.A. 579, S. 21; P.A. 76-436, S. 323, 681; P.A. 77-614, S. 139, 486, 587, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 82-172, S. 9, 14; P.A. 04-201, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 76-436 substituted superior court for court of common pleas in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 substituted commissioner of revenue services for tax commissioner and made state police department a division within the department of public safety, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 82-172 added provisions re collection of tax, re lien against real estate related to overdue taxes and re lien foreclosure procedure and deleted previous provisions in Subsec. (a) re hearings and appeals; P.A. 04-201 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to make technical changes for the purposes of gender neutrality and added Subsec. (d) re investigation or hearing procedures to enforce the tax under chapter, effective June 3, 2004.

Cited. 205 C. 51.

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Sec. 12-475a. Agreements with other jurisdictions concerning cooperative motor vehicle fuels tax audits. The Commissioner of Revenue Services may, for purposes of cooperative audits of reports and returns related to the state tax on motor vehicle fuels, enter into agreements with the appropriate authorities of other jurisdictions imposing tax on motor vehicle fuels similar to that imposed in Connecticut under this chapter. In performing any such audit or part thereof, any officer or employee of any such other jurisdiction shall be deemed an authorized agent of this state for such purpose and such audit or part thereof shall have the same effect as a similar audit by the Department of Revenue Services.

(P.A. 90-54.)

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Sec. 12-476. Payment of receipts to Treasurer. Moneys collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid promptly to the State Treasurer in accordance with section 13b-61.

(1949 Rev., S. 2559; 1958 Rev., S. 14-341; 1959, P.A. 579, S. 22; June, 1971, P.A. 8, S. 34; P.A. 73-2, S. 3, 11; 73-675, S. 5, 44; P.A. 74-342, S. 12, 43.)

History: 1959 act replaced former provisions; 1971 act added exception re moneys credited to general fund; P.A. 73-2 substituted “money in excess of eight cents per gallon ...” for “amount collected from the tax increase ...” in exception re moneys credited to general fund; P.A. 73-675 substituted “transportation fund” for “highway fund”; P.A. 74-342 provided that tax receipts be paid to state treasurer rather than credited to transportation fund or general fund.

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Sec. 12-476a. Fuel transporters to report to commissioner. Penalty for violations. Every railroad company, every street, suburban or interurban railroad company, every pipe line company, every water transportation company, and every common carrier transporting fuel, either in interstate commerce to or from points within the state, and every person transporting fuel by whatever manner to or from a point in the state, shall at any time, and from time to time, upon written request of the commissioner, report under penalty of false statement on forms prescribed by said commissioner all deliveries of fuel so made to or from points within the state, for such periods as the commissioner may specify. Such reports shall show the name and address of the person to whom the deliveries of fuel have actually and in fact been made, the name and address of the originally named consignee, if fuel has been delivered to any other than the originally named consignee, the point of origin, the point of delivery, the date of delivery, and the number and initials of each tank car and the number of gallons contained therein, if shipped by rail, the name of the boat, barge or vessel, and the number of gallons contained therein, if shipped by water, the license number of each tank truck and the number of gallons contained therein, if transported by motor truck, or, if delivered by other means, the manner in which such delivery is made; and such other additional information relative to shipments of fuel as the commissioner may require. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined five hundred dollars for each offense.

(1967, P.A. 625, S. 6; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 83; P.A. 82-25, S. 3, 10; P.A. 88-314, S. 35, 54.)

History: 1971 act substituted “false statement” for “perjury”; P.A. 82-25 changed references to “gasoline” to “fuel”, effective July 1, 1982, and applicable to fuel sales by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 88-314 added the fine at the end of the section applicable to any transporter of fuel in the state who fails to make any report as required in this section, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date.

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Sec. 12-476b. Identification of vehicles transporting fuel. Penalty for failure to comply. All vehicles used in transporting fuel shall be identified by having the name or trade name of the true owner or the lessee thereof printed in plain view on both sides of the vehicle in prominent and legible letters not less than one and one-half inches in height. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined five hundred dollars for each offense.

(1967, P.A. 625, S. 7; 1969, P.A. 387, S. 1; P.A. 73-216; P.A. 82-25, S. 4, 10; P.A. 83-295, S. 1; P.A. 88-314, S. 36, 54.)

History: 1969 act specified that names be printed “in plain view” and included lessees under provisions of section; P.A. 73-216 made provisions applicable to “all vehicles” rather than to “tank wagon trucks” only, allowed printing of trade name, required printing to be on both sides of vehicle and reduced required height of letters from four inches to one and one-half inches; P.A. 82-25 changed reference to “petroleum products” to “fuel”, effective July 1, 1982, and applicable to fuel sales by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 83-295 provided that violation of any provision of the section is an infraction; P.A. 88-314 added the fine at the end of the section applicable to the owner of any vehicle used in transporting fuel in the state which is not identified as required in this section, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date.

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Sec. 12-476c. Duties of master of barge or tanker. Invoice or bill of sale. The commissioner or his authorized agent may at any time during normal business hours inspect the books of any carrier to determine if the requirements of this section are being complied with properly. The master or other person in charge of any barge, tanker or other vessel in which fuel is being transported, other than the fuel being transported for use in operating the engine which propels such vessel, shall have in his possession an invoice, bill of sale or other evidence showing the name and address of the consignor or person from which such fuel was received by him, and the name and address of the consignee or person to whom he is to make delivery of the same, together with the number of gallons to be delivered to each such person, and shall upon the request of any agent of the commissioner produce such invoice, bill of sale or other record evidence for inspection. Any person who violates this section shall be fined five hundred dollars for each offense.

(1967, P.A. 625, S. 8; P.A. 82-25, S. 5, 10; P.A. 88-314, S. 37, 54.)

History: P.A. 82-25 changed references to “gasoline” to “fuel”, effective July 1, 1982, and applicable to fuel sales by distributors on or after that date; P.A. 88-314 added the fine of $500 for each offense in lieu of the preceding fine of not more than $100 for the first offense and not less than $100 for each subsequent offense, effective July 1, 1988, and applicable to any tax which first becomes due and payable on or after said date, to any return or report due on or after said date, or in the case of any ongoing obligation imposed in accordance with said act, to the tax period next beginning on or after said date.

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(1959, P.A. 579, S. 23; 1969, P.A. 612, S. 3; P.A. 73-2, S. 5, 11; P.A. 76-322, S. 26, 27; 76-391, S. 1, 2; P.A. 82-25, S. 9, 10; P.A. 82-472, S. 182, 183.)

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